Kevin Williams stands on the sidelines in the final minutes of a game against the New York Giants in January 2010 at the Metrodome. ((Pioneer Press: Chris Polydoroff))

Kevin Williams said Thursday night he might have re-signed with the Vikings had they not come in so late with an offer.

After 11 seasons in Minnesota, the free-agent defensive tackle agreed to a one-year contract with Seattle he said is worth just over $2 million. Williams said the Vikings, after initially not paying much attention to him in free agency, this week offered him a similar contract, which he declined.

"I played my contract up,'' Williams said in a phone interview with the Pioneer Press. "They had a chance to sign me back at the beginning of the offseason, and they didn't really want to.

"I'm not going to say they didn't really want to, but things weren't working out in our best interests. I enjoyed my time there (in Minnesota), so I'm going to try my luck out in Seattle. ... At first it was like (the Vikings said), 'Were not going to have any money.' But they came back (recently) in the picture.''

A message left with Vikings general manager Rick Spielman was not immediately returned.

In addition to Seattle, Williams also visited the New York Giants and New England. He said both also offered similar contracts before he decided on the Seahawks.

"I just believed that it probably was the best fit,'' said Williams, 33, who made $5 million last season but knew he had to take a pay cut due to his age. "Just the direction that the team has been going. They've got a quarterback (Russell Wilson), and they're coming off a Super Bowl (win).

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They've got a great young team.''

Williams said he's content to either start or be a rotation player for Seattle. He said playing limited snaps could prolong his career.

"Who knows?'' Williams said. "I might go there and become a spring chicken again and play two or three more years.''

Williams said he will fly from his Arkansas home to Seattle early next week and sign his contract. He then will participate in the team's minicamp.

In addition to the Vikings coming in so late with a contract offer, Williams said the uncertainty of winning was another reason he decided to leave.

"It's so uncertain what's going on in Minnesota,'' Williams said. "Who knows? They might win 10 games this year or they could have another season like last year (5-10-1).''

Williams made six Pro Bowls with the Vikings. He would welcome being enshrined in the team's Ring of Honor one day.

"I would appreciate that honor,'' Williams said. "Minnesota welcomed me into the NFL and we had a lot of great years. I grew into a heck of a ballplayer and an even better person. I appreciate the fans and how they supported me and the whole organization.''